When we come to realize how wretched the flesh within us is, then we need to see that God is teaching us to look away from ourselves and unto Christ. As we look unto Him, His moral features will be impressed upon us. Some of these features are obedience and dependence upon God, patience, meekness, self-control, and many others. In Galatians 5:22–23, we see these features presented as the fruit of the Holy Spirit being worked out practically in the life of the believer. Paul explains that our bodies, which he calls “earthen vessels,” contain this special treasure of Christ dwelling in every believer. Then, as the vessel is broken, as self is set aside, the light shines out.

Here is something else to consider: in 2 Corinthians 5:10, the apostle Paul reminds us that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Everything we have done in our lifetime will be manifested then in the light of His holy presence. Our motives, our self-seeking—even when it is mixed with our service for the Lord—will be manifested. What was done in secret or in public, at the work place or at home, in private counseling or in public preaching, all will be laid bare.

But remember, when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, our sinful nature is no longer in us. Then we will be with and like Christ, and we will rejoice that our old selfish and sinful nature is once and forever gone. Only what was of Christ will remain forever. Day by day, as we walk our wilderness pathway here, let us seek to please Him, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2).